Read More

Bonetti secured his best TT result to date in 2016 when he finished fifth and was in contention for a podium last year before being forced to retire on the second lap.

With a fastest lap of 118.498mph, the addition of Dunlop to the team is sure to benefit the Italian as well.

Dunlop said: “It will be a real honour to represent the Paton factory at this year’s TT. I’ve managed to win races for five different manufacturers at the TT and I will be doing everything I can to make it six.

"I’m really looking forward to having a proper go at the Lightweight TT this year. It’s already looking like a really competitive race with the strongest field the race has had to date and if I’m on the top step at the end of the race I will have earned it.”

Read More

"Our collaboration with him started last year just with the supply of an SC-Project exhaust for his MD Racing Yamaha R6 he won the Supersport TT with. Michael was satisfied with the product and he wanted to carry on our collaboration this year as well, with the supply of SC-Project exhausts for the S1000RR BMW and the CBR600RR Honda he will ride respectively in the Superstock and Supersport races."

He added: “His skills are well known to everyone and we are well aware that a rider like Michael has the victory as his solely focus.

"It is an honour for us and for Paton to have the fastest TT riders ever riding for our Team. We are ready for the challenge of confirming Paton as the bike to beat on the Isle of Man"